Indiana University Speaker Discusses Experience With HIV/AIDS

William Brawner, who was diagnosed with HIV at age 3, was the keynote speaker at "RedVolution," a recent benefit for the Bloomington Hospital's Positive Link Emergency Care Fund, which provides free services for HIV/AIDS patients. Brawner, age 27, contracted the virus at 18 months from a blood transfusion. When he was 5, his mother told him he had a deadly disease and to keep it a secret. Brawner confided his status only to his high-school sweetheart.

When he was at Howard University, Brawner began telling family and friends he was HIV-positive after his ex-girlfriend alerted the school about his status. Now, he is committed to spreading the word about HIV/AIDS. He encountered resentment from some, but said most people were supportive.

The Emergency Care Fund raises money for HIV/AIDS patients for assistance with everything from cell phone bills to utility costs. The service helps patients avoid making choices between paying for medicine and paying the bills.

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